Africa Cup of Nations | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/africannationscup
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 31 Mar 2015 21:06:58 GMT2015-03-31T21:06:58Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Ivory Coast hero Boubacar Barry announces international retirementhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/03/ivory-coast-boubacar-barry-international-retirement
• Goalkeeper calls it a day a month after Africa Cup of Nations heroics<br />• ‘It is time to give way to a new generation,’ says 35-year-old<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report" title="">Ivory Coast clinch Africa Cup of Nations on penalties</a><p>The Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry has announced his retirement from international football a month after his heroics helped his country win the Africa Cup of Nations.</p><p>“After many years in the national team it is time to give way to a new generation,” wrote the 35-year-old in a letter to the Ivory Coast government released on Tuesday.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/03/ivory-coast-boubacar-barry-international-retirement">Continue reading...</a>Ivory CoastFootballAfrica Cup of NationsSportTue, 03 Mar 2015 15:45:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/03/ivory-coast-boubacar-barry-international-retirementPhotograph: Xinhua News Agency/REX/Xinhua News Agency/REXBoubacar Barry celebrates after helping Ivory Coast beat Ghana to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/RexPhotograph: Xinhua News Agency/REX/Xinhua News Agency/REXBoubacar Barry celebrates after helping Ivory Coast beat Ghana to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/RexReuters2015-03-03T15:45:05ZSamir Nasri: returning hero Yaya Touré can lift Manchester City for key gameshttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/21/nasri-toure-bony-manchester-city-title-run-in
• Nasri believes Touré’s ‘head is in the right place’ after Ivory Coast success<br />• French midfielder also welcomes arrival of Touré’s compatriot Wilfried Bony<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/20/wilfried-bony-manchester-city" title="">• Jamie Jackson: Wilfried Bony can be showy but is a quality addition</a><p>Samir Nasri believes Yaya Tour&eacute;’s “head is in the right place” for the decisive phase of Manchester City’s title defence and Champions League challenge after the midfielder <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report" title="">led the Ivory Coast to the Africa Cup of Nations triumph</a> in Equatorial Guinea earlier this month.</p><p>Tour&eacute;, 31, is set to make his first appearance for the club since the tournament finished in Saturday evening’s home game against Newcastle United. The champions will hope to avoid losing ground to Chelsea, who could be 10 points ahead by the time City’s match begins. The league leaders play Burnley at Stamford Bridge in a 3pm kick-off.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/21/nasri-toure-bony-manchester-city-title-run-in">Continue reading...</a>Manchester CityPremier LeagueSamir NasriWilfried BonyAfrica Cup of NationsAfrica Cup of Nations 2015FootballSportSat, 21 Feb 2015 11:37:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/21/nasri-toure-bony-manchester-city-title-run-inPhotograph: Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesSamir Nasri (right of picture) believes that Yaya Touré’s ‘head is in the right place’ after finally winning a major trophy with the Ivory Coast national team.Jamie Jackson2015-02-21T11:37:44ZThe 20 photographs of the weekhttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/feb/14/twenty-photographs-of-the-week
<p>The ceasefire in Ukraine, Ivory Coast winning the Africa Cup of Nations, drought in Brazil – the best photography in news, culture and sport from around the world this week</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/feb/14/twenty-photographs-of-the-week">Continue reading...</a>Art and designCultureSportFootballAfrica Cup of NationsAfrica Cup of Nations 2015Ivory CoastSouth AfricaPalestinian territoriesIsraelUkraineMadonnaDominique Strauss-KahnBrazilEnvironmentSouth SudanFashionAfricaAmericasEuropeLife and styleMiddle East and North AfricaSat, 14 Feb 2015 15:03:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/feb/14/twenty-photographs-of-the-weekPhotograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/GettyPhotograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/GettyJim Powell2015-02-14T15:03:01ZIvory Coast return home to heroes’ welcome after Africa Cup of Nations victory – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/feb/10/ivory-coast-africa-cup-nations-victory-video
The Ivory Coast football team is greeted with roars of cheers and applause as they bring home the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time since 1992. The Ivorians were runner-ups in 2006 and 2012, but finally won the tournament by defeating Ghana 9-8 on penalties in a dramatic final <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/feb/10/ivory-coast-africa-cup-nations-victory-video">Continue reading...</a>Ivory CoastGhanaAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportTue, 10 Feb 2015 12:12:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/feb/10/ivory-coast-africa-cup-nations-victory-videoguardian.co.uk140x84 trailpic for Ivory CoastGuardian Staff2015-02-10T12:12:16ZManchester City’s Yaya Touré and Wilfried Bony will not play against Stokehttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/manchester-city-yaya-toure-wilfried-bony-ivory-coast
• Ivory Coast duo returning to Abidjan after Nations Cup triumph<br />• Bony now expected to make debut v Newcastle on 21 February<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/didier-drogba-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-boubacar-barry" title="">• Didier Drogba leads celebrations after Africa Cup of Nations win</a><p>Yaya Tour&eacute; and Wilfried Bony are returning to Ivory Coast to celebrate the Africa Cup of Nations triumph so will not be available for Manchester City’s visit to Stoke City on Wednesday evening.</p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/manchester-city-hull-city-premier-league-match-report" title="">City’s 1-1 draw with Hull City on Saturday</a> left the champions seven points behind Chelsea and so they must defeat Stoke to retain realistic hopes of defending the title.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/manchester-city-yaya-toure-wilfried-bony-ivory-coast">Continue reading...</a>Manchester CityFootballIvory CoastAfrica Cup of NationsAfrica Cup of Nations 2015Stoke CitySportMon, 09 Feb 2015 12:42:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/manchester-city-yaya-toure-wilfried-bony-ivory-coastPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APYaya Touré will not be available for Manchester City's game against Stoke after captaining Ivory Coast on Sunday. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APYaya Touré will not be available for Manchester City's game against Stoke after captaining Ivory Coast on Sunday. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APJamie Jackson2015-02-09T12:42:53ZAfrica Cup of Nations 2015 review: highs and lows of the tournament | Nick Ameshttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-2015-review
The best goal, the best game and the biggest surprises after an eventful month in Equatorial Guinea was ended with Ivory Coast’s shootout success over Ghana<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/didier-drogba-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-boubacar-barry" title="">• Drogba leads celebrations as Ivorians end their long wait</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report" title="">• Ivory Coast 0-0-Ghana (Ivory Coast win 9-8 on penalties): match report</a><p>It would be churlish not to praise the winner, Ivory Coast, even if they stumbled over the line. They had waited 23 years for this and, mainly for their performances in the games against Cameroon, Algeria and DR Congo, could justifiably be called the best team. Equatorial Guinea deserve a mention too – their progress from the group stage was exhilarating and played out to remarkable levels of volume, and not even their fortunate win over Tunisia could completely silence the feelgood story. An unusually technical, mobile team of overachievers were fascinating to watch but in falling short against Ghana, their story became overtaken somewhat <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghana" title="">by off-pitch events</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report">Ivory Coast 0-0 Ghana (IC 9-8 on pens) | Africa Cup of Nations final</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-2015-review">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Africa Cup of NationsAlgeriaSouth AfricaEquatorial GuineaBurkina FasoIvory CoastGhanaFootballSportMon, 09 Feb 2015 12:14:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-2015-reviewPhotograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesIvory Coast's Kolo Touré raises the trophy after the final.Photograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesIvory Coast's Kolo Touré raises the trophy after the final.Nick Ames in Bata, Equatorial Guinea2015-02-09T12:14:38ZAfrica Cup of Nations: Ivory Coast’s Yaya Touré emotional after win over Ghana – videohttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-ivory-coast-yaya-toure-ghana-video
A visibly emotional Yaya Touré hails his team's performance after Ivory Coast defeated Ghana on penalties to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1992. Ivory Coast won 9-8 on penalties, with goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scoring the winning goal. Touré says he has been waiting years to lift the coveted trophy <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-ivory-coast-yaya-toure-ghana-video">Continue reading...</a>Ivory CoastGhanaAfrica Cup of NationsSportFootballMon, 09 Feb 2015 11:45:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-ivory-coast-yaya-toure-ghana-videoguardian.co.uk140x84 trailpic for Africa CupGuardian Staff2015-02-09T11:45:20ZDidier Drogba leads celebrations after Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations winhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/didier-drogba-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-boubacar-barry
• Chelsea striker posts video on Instagram of winning moment<br />• Boubacar Barry: I’m not big in talent but I have shown the critics<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report" title="">• Ivory Coast win Africa Cup of Nations in penalty shootout</a><p>Didier Drogba led the celebrations as Ivory Coast ended more than two decades without a trophy by <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report" title="">beating Ghana on penalties</a> to lift the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night.</p><p>The Chelsea striker, who retired from international football last year after earning a record 104 caps, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/y24geBOjBl/?modal=true" title="">posted a video on Instagram</a> of the moment when goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the winning penalty with the message “<em>Coooopaaaa faut marquer buuulaaaaa cooooopaaaaa</em>!!!!!!!!!”.</p><p>We started from the bottom now we here. With my bro <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yayatoure?src=hash">#yayatoure</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/championsleagues?src=hash">#championsleagues</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/premiereleague?src=hash">#premiereleague</a>… <a href="http://t.co/ehJOJz1x3F">http://t.co/ehJOJz1x3F</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/didier-drogba-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-boubacar-barry">Continue reading...</a>Ivory CoastFootballAfrica Cup of NationsAfrica Cup of Nations 2015SportDidier DrogbaMon, 09 Feb 2015 10:58:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/didier-drogba-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-boubacar-barryPhotograph: Xinhua News Agency/REX/Xinhua News Agency/REXBoubacar Barry looks to the skies after his heroics helped Ivory Coast end 23 years without a trophy. Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/REXPhotograph: Xinhua News Agency/REX/Xinhua News Agency/REXBoubacar Barry looks to the skies after his heroics helped Ivory Coast end 23 years without a trophy. Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/REXEd Aarons2015-02-09T10:58:01ZIvory Coast 0-0 Ghana (IC 9-8 on pens) | Africa Cup of Nations finalhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report
• Ivory Coast 0-0 Ghana (Ivory Coast win 9-8 on pens)<p>Could there have been a more unlikely hero than Boubacar Barry? He was the reserve keeper, the relic of the past, the clownish figure so often blamed for Ivorian failure. Elevated to play in the final only because Sylvain Gbohouo had suffered a thigh strain, he seized his opportunity in a ridiculous, hilarious, remarkable way, saving two penalties and then scoring the decisive kick in the shootout himself.</p><p>The mood was of relief rather than jubilation. “When you win with your club it’s quite amazing but with your country it’s unbelievable,” Yaya Tour&eacute; said. “I’ve been waiting I don’t know how many years to lift this trophy – as captain is something special. The luck came to our side today. I’m delighted and very happy.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/nigel-pearson-sacked-leicester-james-mcarthur-incident">Nigel Pearson clings on to Leicester City job after night of confusion </a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/athletic-bilbao-barcelona-la-liga-match-report">Athletic Bilbao 2-5 Barcelona | La Liga match report</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Ivory CoastGhanaAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportSun, 08 Feb 2015 22:34:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-reportPhotograph: Themba Hadebe/APIvory Coast’s goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, right, scores the winning penalty against Ghana’s goalkeeper Razak Braimah.Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersIvory Coast's goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scores the winning penalty kick during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Ghana in Bata. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersPhotograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersIvory Coast's goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scores the winning penalty kick during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Ghana in Bata. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersJonathan Wilson at Bata2015-02-08T22:34:21ZIvory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations on penalties – as it happenedhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-final-ivory-coast-v-ghana-live
<p>Ivory Coast defeated Ghana 9-8 in a penalty shootout at the end of a dramatic evening in Bata</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T22:08:05.555Z">10.08pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>We’ll leave you with this …</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T22:06:53.613Z">10.06pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>What an amazing way to finish it. They could not be separated after 90 minutes. They could not be separated after an additional 30. The regular five penalties could not separate them either and it went all the way to the goalkeepers in sudden death. Braimah had his saved by Barry, who then stepped up to score the deciding kick. </p><p>Congratulations to Ivory Coast, who are now celebrating wildly awaiting the trophy; commiserations to Ghana, who will no doubt be very proud of their impressive efforts though it may take some time for the feeling of sadness to evaporate. I’m off to enter a dark room. Thanks for reading. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T22:00:49.876Z">10.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>And Barry scores!!!!! IVORY COAST ARE 2015 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS CHAMPIONS</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T22:00:17.681Z">10.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>This is ridiculous. Barry is down and now getting treatment. There is plenty of magic spray on his wrist but it’s his foot which will decide Ivory Coast’s destiny.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:59:07.521Z">9.59pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Braimah does not look confident and Barry dives to save it. The Ivory Coast keeper sinks to his knees – but he must get up, the destination of the title depends on his penalty kick!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:57:24.219Z">9.57pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Serey Die the last outfield player to take a kick … Low and in. Time for the keepers …</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:56:19.168Z">9.56pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Round 10! John Boye looks nervous and he just evades Barry’s dive to score …</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:55:07.832Z">9.55pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Bailly with a beauty. And we go again!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:54:13.522Z">9.54pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Baba now … bottom right corner. Easy.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:53:42.099Z">9.53pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Kanon, another defender, puts a couple of the attacking players to shame by also finding the net!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:53:03.774Z">9.53pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Afful is the eighth Ghanain to take a penalty and that’s the best of the lot: high into the top right corner. The tension is becoming unbearable now.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:51:51.800Z">9.51pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Kolo Toure, who missed three years ago, goes for power and scores this time. We’re going to be here all night!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:50:51.362Z">9.50pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Badou now for Ghana and it creeps past Barry, who dived the right way. Oof, inches away.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:50:22.358Z">9.50pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Kalou steps up now. No fuss, sends Braimah the wrong way.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:49:16.714Z">9.49pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Mensah takes Ghana’s sixth penalty. He slips as he connects with the ball but finds the top right corner.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:48:14.901Z">9.48pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>It could all come down to this. Yaya Toure steps up … and confidently finds the net. Sudden death.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:47:07.949Z">9.47pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Andre Ayew steps up now and fires it low past Barry.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:46:33.492Z">9.46pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Doumbia levels it with a piledriver! What drama.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:44:42.789Z">9.44pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Good grief! Ghana’s Acheampong, who was on the pitch four minutes before the end, slices a left-footed attempt so, so far wide. Unbelievable!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:43:48.388Z">9.43pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Serge Aurier, who has been Ivory Coast’s star man tonight, strikes a beauty high into the left corner.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:42:38.146Z">9.42pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Or maybe not! Acquah is denied by Barry. A good save to the keeper’s right.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:41:59.010Z">9.41pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Tallo, who did not touch the ball having come on in the final seconds of extra-time, steps up and puts it at least a foot wide. A dreadful kick and Ghana must believe it’s now their day.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:40:29.176Z">9.40pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Jordan Ayew steps up for Ghana’s second kick. He takes a cool run-up and finds the net.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:39:17.682Z">9.39pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Wilfried Bony steps up and he crashes it off the bar. Oh dear. Visions of the 2012 final, anybody?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:38:38.855Z">9.38pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Mubarak to take the first kick for Ghana … Left-footed he scores as Barry dives early to his left and the midfielder sends it the opposite way.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:32:55.773Z">9.32pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Let’s roll out the lottery cliches! Nothing separates them after 120 energy-sapping minutes and the Africa Cup of Nations will be decided by penalties.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:31:38.697Z">9.31pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>120 +1min:</strong> Ghana sub as Badou comes on for Gyan – who must suffer nightmares after that penalty miss in the World Cup in 2010 – and for the Ivory Coast Tallo replaces Gervinho – who has a similarly shaky record from the sport.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:29:50.908Z">9.29pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>120 min:</strong> Aurier feeds Kalou, who cuts across goal but there’s no Ivorian on hand to have a shot.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:27:40.872Z">9.27pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>117 min:</strong> I can’t remember the last time there was some decent football played. It’s been pass, pass, foul or pass, pass, dispossessed for too long. Who reckons they may not even be able to convert a penalty?!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:26:08.988Z">9.26pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>116 min:</strong> Acheampong replaces an exhausted Atsu.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:24:35.263Z">9.24pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>114 min:</strong> An impromptu water break now. Even the ref is sneaking a quick gulp of water.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:23:04.777Z">9.23pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>112 min:</strong> Salomon Kalou is coming on in place of Tiene after the defender brings down Jordan Ayew, who has been very lively since coming on. Ghana free-kick to come after the substitution is made.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:19:31.136Z">9.19pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>110 min:</strong> Jordan Ayew fools Yaya Toure in the area and from a tight angle tries to shoot but Kolo Toure blocks. Another Ghana corner to come.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:18:43.236Z">9.18pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>108 min:</strong> Gervinho bursts down the left in a rare show of high energy and crosses towards Doumbia but the striker’s touch is dismal and he cannot manage a shot from a very promising position.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:16:20.633Z">9.16pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>106 min: </strong>Promising start from Ghana. Mubarak attacks and his ferocious shot from 25 yards is blocked by Tiene. Corner … which is too deep and produces nothing.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:15:25.985Z">9.15pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>A swift turnaround and we have restarted.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:14:18.878Z">9.14pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Who’s your money on in a shootout?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:13:05.148Z">9.13pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>105 +1min: </strong>Eric Bailly is the fourth Ivory Coast player to be shown a yellow card for a clumsy tackle from behind on the fresh-legged Jordan Ayew.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:12:04.295Z">9.12pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>105 min: </strong>Yaya Toure’s delivery is taken by Braimah.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:11:38.069Z">9.11pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>104 min:</strong> An Aurier cross from the right towards Bony is cleared wildly by Mensah. Ivory Coast have a corner.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:10:14.867Z">9.10pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>102 min:</strong> Andre Ayew swings a cross in which bounces 10 yards from goal but nobody is on hand to convert or clear and it bounces away from trouble. Atsu has pulled up, likely with cramp.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:07:09.341Z">9.07pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>100 min:</strong> Appiah’s Cup of Nations is over – he is replaced by Jordan Ayew, which is Ghana’s first change.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:06:33.229Z">9.06pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>99 min:</strong> Acquah tries to make a splash (sorry!) with a pot shot from 30 yards but it sails well over.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:03:22.816Z">9.03pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>96 min:</strong> Atsu strings a tasty pass towards Gyan but he is very narrowly offside.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:02:31.398Z">9.02pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>94 min: </strong>We have now passed the 40 foul mark. How many shots on target? One. From Yaya Toure in the first half.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T21:01:35.614Z">9.01pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>93 min: </strong>Baba finds a burst of energy and dribbles down the left but Aurier makes a wonderful diving block. Ghana corner.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:59:52.205Z">8.59pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>92 min: </strong>Ivory Coast passing it around midfield but the message remains from normal time: do not make a mistake.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:58:35.881Z">8.58pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Ivory Coast kick-off. Just watching it is making me sweaty. The players’ shirts are clinging to them, so little wonder the tempo of the game died as the second period progressed.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:51:57.834Z">8.51pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Extra-time to follow after a tense scoreless draw.The first half was decent but this second 45 has been dreadful.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:50:48.426Z">8.50pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 +3min:</strong> One more chance? Yaya Toure gives away another foul, sliding in on Mubarak. He wins some of the ball but also takes the man. The free is taken short and then hoofed aimlessly forward and is cleared. Awful.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:49:46.672Z">8.49pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 min: </strong>There will be three minutes added on. And then 30 more minutes of extra-time, inevitably!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:49:23.362Z">8.49pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 min: </strong>Aurier has been Ivory Coast’s biggest threat and down the right he sends it in but Braimah is there to block and Doumbia cannot convert the rebound under pressure from Mensah. Aurier puts in another cross from the right seconds later. Braimah comes to save but it slips through his hands. He’s relived to watch it fall kindly and the danger is cleared.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:46:34.476Z">8.46pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>88 min:</strong> Mubarak takes it. It takes two deflections – off Tiene and Bailly – and goes out for what should be a corner … but for some reason, despite Mubarak’s protestations, it’s a goal-kick.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:45:06.021Z">8.45pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>87 min:</strong> Kanon is booked for a foul on Acquah about 20 yards out. Could this be it?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:43:37.294Z">8.43pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>85 min: </strong>Defensively they have both been quite solid for the most part but the tempo is dropping substantially as we enter the final minutes. The heat and occasion has drained them. Penalties, anyone?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:40:22.916Z">8.40pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>82 min: </strong>Tiene crosses from the left and Bony rises at the back post but heads over. He wants a corner but it’s a goal-kick. Mensah accidentally clocked his defensive partner Boye in the face as the ball was coming towards Bony.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:38:13.037Z">8.38pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>80 min: </strong>Play restarts and it’s switched to the right flank. Aurier attempts to find Doumbia but it’s behind the striker and it’s cleared. Then Yaya Toure takes control and is … fouled.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:36:44.906Z">8.36pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>78 min: </strong>Mubarak trips Gervinho who was about to turn him and race forward. No booking but another free-kick in the centre of the pitch. Groundhog Day.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:35:17.943Z">8.35pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>77 min:</strong> Aurier gets in behind Ayew and crosses back towards Bony but the linesman’s flag is raised to signal the ball had cross the line before Aurier could cross. Goal-kick for Ghana.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:34:00.730Z">8.34pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>76 min: </strong>Toure does not take this one. He leaves it for Tiene who curls it teasingly in but Braimah is confidently alert enough to step a couple of yards out and punch clear.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:33:08.417Z">8.33pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>74 min:</strong> Yaya Toure is really good at drawing in fouls. Appiah is the culprit this time. It’s a slightly soft free-kick but Toure’s positioning made it easier for the referee to give the free-kick a little over 25 yards from goal. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:30:33.899Z">8.30pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>72 min:</strong> Ghana are going closer and closer here. Atsu zooms down the right and cuts it in towards Appiah and Gyan but the pass is just behind their reach and the danger is cleared.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:29:44.456Z">8.29pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>71 min: </strong>Another foul from Ivory Coast – their 17th of the game compared to nine from Ghana. Mubarak’s delivery is heading towards Boye but Bailly gets his head to it.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:28:09.201Z">8.28pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>70 min:</strong> Mubarak, under very little pressure, lashes it into the stands from 30 yards. Poor.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:27:36.921Z">8.27pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>68 min: </strong>Serey Die is penalised for handball near halfway. Mubarak takes it and hits it towards the penalty spot, where Boye heads narrowly wide under pressure from Kolo Toure. In a second half so far bereft of good chances, that was a decent one</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:24:30.641Z">8.24pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>67 min</strong>: The first shuffle of the pack as Doumbia replaces Gradel.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:24:02.360Z">8.24pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>66 min:</strong> Tiene sends a rubbish cross in from the left which is nowhere near an Ivory Coast player.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:22:52.002Z">8.22pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>65 min: </strong>Appiah skips past Yaya Toure quite easily but fear not, Manchester City midfielder, your brother is on hand to half the Ghanaian’s advancing run. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:20:48.825Z">8.20pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>62 min:</strong> Afful puts a teasing cross in from the right towards the back post. Gradel unconventionally clears it for a corner.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:19:00.603Z">8.19pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>60 min:</strong> Ivory Coast corner is swung in by Yaya Toure but Braimah comes out to pick it from the air. Simple.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:16:41.393Z">8.16pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>57 min:</strong> Lost count of the fouls now. The latest sees Tiene takes down Atsu on the Ghana right wing. As we wait for it to be taken, Boye and Bailly are touchy feely on the edge of the area. They brush foreheads heads and then embarrassingly fall down. Referee takes no action. When the free is eventually taken, Kolo Toure clears.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:13:23.664Z">8.13pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>55 min:</strong> It’s becoming very stop start. Lots of needless fouls. The latest sees Bailly taken down by Appiah a yard from the centre spot. Tour&eacute; takes it short, some non-descript play ensues.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:10:47.475Z">8.10pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>52 min: </strong>Yaya Toure’s swings a free-kick in from the right near halfway but it’s not going to threaten. Ghana break on the opposite side through Afful. He passes to Atsu, who comes in off the flank and squares to Gyan. The striker’s right-footed shot sails well over.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:08:15.480Z">8.08pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>51 min: </strong>Bony clears the delivery at the near-post. Acquah latches on to the afters but fires high and wide. Must do better.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:07:30.975Z">8.07pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>50 min:</strong> Kanon concedes a corner, Ghana’s first of the game.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:07:11.986Z">8.07pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>49 min:</strong> You definitely get the sense that both sides are happy to keep things compact and tight. It’s more about avoiding mistakes than creating a match-winning move.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:05:12.088Z">8.05pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>47 min: </strong>Atsu fouls Tiene. One thing which occupied my mind at half-time: has Acquah ever dived?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T20:03:02.655Z">8.03pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Ghana restart. Who’s going to blink first?</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:56:03.626Z">7.56pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>A half-time email from Raymond Reardon</p><p>Cirque du Sepp wants us to write about princesses, fairytales and happy endings. After a weekend of West Ham’s mesmerising juggling act, Manchester United’s blind man’s bluff, Harry Hotspurs dazzling display at Tottenham, Southampton’s Houdini act at Loftus Road, Aston Villa’s spellbinding goal splurge against Chelsea, and Hull City almost winning at Manchester City for the first time in eighty five years, we do not want Monday to come around. </p><p>Unfortunately for most of us we will wake up from dreamland and find we are magically attached to some ogre running our everyday lives or running the Fairytale Institute Forever Association ( FIFA ).</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:47:06.992Z">7.47pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>It’s been tense, as one would expect of a final between two sides with little to choose between them, but entertaining nonetheless. Time for a cup of tea!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:45:34.578Z">7.45pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>45 min: </strong>One minute to be added on.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:45:24.161Z">7.45pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>43 min:</strong> Yaya Tour&eacute; is down again after pressure from Acquah but it’s not a foul and play continues. Ghana have really grown as the half has progressed and Atsu has by far been the standout but there’s something lacking in the final third.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:41:39.274Z">7.41pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>41 min:</strong> Barry makes a hash of a clearance and Appiah takes possession. He is one-on-one with Kanon but cannot make it count.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:39:54.986Z">7.39pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>40 min:</strong> Serey Die attempts to find Bony but the striker’s run isn’t timed as well as the midfielder wanted it and Braimah comes out to save.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:38:30.510Z">7.38pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>39 min: </strong>Tiene comes at Atsu from behind and fouls him. Ghana free-kick about 35 yards out on the right side. Baba puts it in with his left but Barry is out comfortable to claim.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:36:43.212Z">7.36pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>37 min:</strong> Ghana hit a post again. Baba feeds Ayew whose clipped ball from a tight angle towards goal strikes the woodwork. Goal-kick.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:35:46.631Z">7.35pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>35 min:</strong> Atsu sends a dangerous cross towards the near post which hits the side-netting with Appiah racing on to it but his run is a yard too short of connecting.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:33:29.663Z">7.33pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>33 min: </strong>Bailly flies down the right and gives it to Gradel. He tries to find Gervinho in the box. Boye tries to get rid but luckily his mishit clearance is collected by Braimah</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:31:37.589Z">7.31pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>30 min: </strong>Aurier sends a cross towards Bony but Mensah heads clear. The new Manchester City striker has been very quiet so far and seconds later he finds himself turning on the edge of the area but failing to connect well with a shot.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:27:45.629Z">7.27pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>28 min:</strong> That Serey Die challenge which led to his yellow card. Ouch!</p><p>That's not nice <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCON2015FINAL?src=hash">#AFCON2015FINAL</a> <a href="http://t.co/3q0hMPYVU4">pic.twitter.com/3q0hMPYVU4</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:26:49.155Z">7.26pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>27 min: </strong>Serey Die makes another rash challenge on Atsu. Someone should remind him he has already been booked.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:26:19.219Z">7.26pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>25 min: </strong>Ghana coming into it a bit more now and pass it about without hurry in midfield. Eventually Andre Ayew bounds forward and works it to Atsu 30 yards out. The Ghana No7 unleashes a rocket which canons off the post with Barry beaten. What a hit!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:23:12.452Z">7.23pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>22 min:</strong> Off the ball, Gyan has just stamped on the toes of Bailly. The Ivory Coast defender slumps to the floor, play is stopped so the referee can check he is ok but Gyan goes unpunished.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:22:15.263Z">7.22pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>21 min: </strong>Ivory Coast look a little stronger in midfield so far but apart from that hard to separate the sides. Ghana more reliant on longer balls – the latest pump forward towards Atsu is tidily cut out by Tiene who read the pass very well. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:19:53.021Z">7.19pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>This is quite a development. </strong>And someone in power had the cheek to question western media’s coverage of the tournament. Farce.</p><p>STUNNED!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EqGuinea?src=hash">#EqGuinea</a> national TV are NOT showing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afocn2015?src=hash">#Afocn2015</a> final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ghana?src=hash">#Ghana</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CIV?src=hash">#CIV</a> - Oh dear Oh dear!!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:18:55.230Z">7.18pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>18 min: </strong>Ghana attack on the left but just as Atsu is about to swing in a cross, Aurier slides in with a perfect tackle.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:17:09.443Z">7.17pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>16 min: </strong>Good chance for Gradel. Baba cannot clear and Gervinho picks up his poorly timed header. The former Arsenal man sees Gradel on his right, plays it in front of him. Gradel runs onto it, takes one touch but shoots narrowly wide. Best move we have seen so far.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:15:25.091Z">7.15pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>15 min:</strong> Serey Die is booked, the first of a few this evening you would imagine, for a tasty challenge on Mubarak. He plants his studs right into Mubarak’s bits with the ball nowhere to be seen. That could have been red.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:14:06.237Z">7.14pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>14 min: </strong>Toure takes it with the inside of his right boot. He clears the wall but it’s all too comfortable for Braimah in the Ghana goal.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:13:29.617Z">7.13pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>12 min:</strong> Atsu wanders forward near halfway lackadaisically and is robbed by Tiene who advances, cuts in from the left and is hacked down by Mubarak. Free-kick. Ideal Yaya Toure territory.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:11:45.520Z">7.11pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>11 min:</strong> Tour&eacute; hits the deck after a tussle with Acquah. He wants a free-kick 20 yards from goal but the referee waves away his protest.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:09:25.601Z">7.09pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>9 min:</strong> Another corner on the far side for Ivory Coast. Tour&eacute; sends it in the direction of Bony this time but it’s too long. No danger.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:08:47.313Z">7.08pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>8 min: </strong>Gradel is unhappy with Baba after an off the ball collision. The Ghana defender appeared to hit out at Gradel but it was hard to see how much genuine contact there was.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:06:56.983Z">7.06pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>6 min:</strong> Ghana enjoy their first sustained spell of possession but it ends with a Mensah hoof from the centre circle which dribbles out for a goal-kick.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:05:28.083Z">7.05pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>5 min: </strong>From that throw Serge Aurier tries to put another cross in. Baba blocks again. Tour&eacute; swings towards Aurier, he tries an overhead kick but fails to connect and the ball fizzes across the box.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:04:20.643Z">7.04pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>3 min:</strong> Gervinho wins a corner off Baba’s shin having attempted to cross from the left. Yaya Toure to take. Appiah heads clear and Serey Die has a pot shot which is blocked and cleared for a throw-in.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:02:35.013Z">7.02pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>2 min: </strong>Gervinho picks up possession in his own half and injects a frightening burst of pace forward but he displays a heavy touch and runs into trouble.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T19:00:43.731Z">7.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Ivory Coast, playing in a full orange kit, get us going, playing from right to left as we watch it. Ghana are in a full white kit. Easy to distinguish.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T18:53:45.405Z">6.53pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>The teams have emerged</strong>, looking calm but concentrated. They are followed by a long line of men in suits – perhaps 20, including Pele – who I assume want to shake hands with the players before kickoff. Anthems to follow and then we will be finally set for some action.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T18:47:52.621Z">6.47pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>The starting XIs! </strong>Better late than never.</p><p><strong>Ivory Coast:</strong> Barry, Kanon, Toure, Bailly, Aurier, Die, Toure, Tiene, Gervinho, Gradel, Bony.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T18:18:48.781Z">6.18pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>While we wait for confirmed team news</strong>, some thought-provoking pre-match reading <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-equitorial-guinea">here</a> on why supporting this tournament is supporting the dictatorship that’s hosting it.</p><p>Over the course of the tournament <a href="http://www.diariorombe.es/el-pasado-viernes-enterraron-dos-jovenes-de-22-anos-que-fallecieron-en-el-estadio-de-bata/">more than one Equatorial Guinean has died</a> at the hands, or rather truncheons, of foreign police forces drafted in to contain them, or in the crush of the stampeding hordes. But they didn’t care, they came back for more. Many of them barely have roofs over their heads, for the majority live in horribly overcrowded houses and sleep in whatever living-space is left over to them. We won’t even mention drinking water, schools or centres for professional training.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T18:11:37.520Z">6.11pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Turns out that helicopter used in the crowd control last Thursday used to belong to the Suffolk Constabulary. British and proud.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T18:05:24.437Z">6.05pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p><strong>Hello wherever you are! Have you had a good weekend?</strong> Let’s hope this ends it on a high note. It all comes down to this, 90 or maybe 120 minutes of action. The two best sides against each other, fighting it out to be crowned the footballing kings of Africa.</p><p><strong>After three weeks </strong>of some good and equally some terrible football, few can argue that the classiest pairing have made it all the way to the final. It’s just a pity they are expecting to do battle in a near-empty stadium.</p><p>Few fans here but there are some banners. Two, situated opposite us, read: &quot;Equatorial Guinea condemns and rejects violence.&quot;</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-02-08T18:00:09.535Z">6.00pm <span class="timezone">GMT</span></time> </p><p>Hello. Alan will be with you shortly for Ivory Coast v Ghana. While you wait, here’s Jonathan Wilson chatting to Ghana coach Avram Grant:</p><p>As the helicopter descended, Avram Grant glanced up, his face as cadaverous as ever, but seemed emotionless. Whatever he actually felt amid the violence that led to Ghana’s Cup of Nations semi-final against Equatorial Guinea being<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence">suspended for almost 40 minutes</a>, his outward appearance was calm. When the smoke grenades cleared, fans were evacuated from two stands of the Estadio de Malabo and the bottles and other missiles were cleared from the pitch, the overriding sense was of the sang-froid with which Ghana had reacted.</p><p>This is a team that has, with some justification, been accused of complacency in the past two <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/africa-cup-of-nations-2015">Cups of Nations</a>. Here, the lack of outward emotion was a positive. “We had a very good training camp in Spain,” said Grant. “We did a lot about mentality – it’s important in sports and in life to recover. This is one of the things I wanted to see with the team: the mentality. I think this is one of the keys for everything. It’s important also in life to look for solutions when things are going wrong. [The semi-final] showed a lot of strength in very difficult situation; the players showed to people in the country that they can count on them.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-final-ivory-coast-v-ghana-live">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015GhanaIvory CoastAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportSun, 08 Feb 2015 22:08:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-final-ivory-coast-v-ghana-livePhotograph: Mike Hutchings/ReutersIvory Coast’s Wilfried Bony challenges Ghana’s Jonathan Mensah.Photograph: Mike Hutchings/ReutersIvory Coast’s Wilfried Bony challenges Ghana’s Jonathan Mensah.Photograph: Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty ImagesIvory Coast v GhanaPhotograph: Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty ImagesIvory Coast v GhanaAlan Smith2015-02-08T22:08:05Z'Why we shouldn't support the Africa Cup of Nations'http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-equitorial-guinea
<p>As final approaches, exiled Equatorial Guinean writer <strong>Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel </strong>says supporting the tournament is supporting the dictatorship that’s hosting it<br></p><p>A certain event currently taking place in Equatorial Guinea has shown just how easy it can be for dictators to convince us all to play along with their games. </p><p>Since 2012, the country’s president, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/22/equatorial-guinea-human-rights">Teodoro Obiang Nguema</a>, has hosted every event international organisations<strong> </strong>would let him get his hands on. He has twice hosted the African Union summit, for which he <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jun/07/equatorial-guinea-luxury-resort-sipopo">built an entire luxury village</a> at the cost of millions of euros. He has hosted the African Cup of Nations twice, first in tandem with Gabon in 2012 and stepping in again this year when Morocco pulled out <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/14/equatorial-guinea-new-hosts-africa-cup-of-nations-morocco">over fears of an Ebola outbreak</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/africa-cup-of-nations-celebrate">What a way to celebrate the Africa Cup of Nations</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/fifa-sepp-blatter-equatorial-guinea-crowd-violence-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations">Sepp Blatter slams media coverage of Africa Cup of Nations violence</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-equitorial-guinea">Continue reading...</a>Equatorial GuineaAfrica Cup of Nations 2015AfricaAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportWorld newsAfrican UnionHuman rightsSun, 08 Feb 2015 11:45:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/08/africa-cup-of-nations-equitorial-guineaPhotograph: Li Jing/Xinhua Press/CorbisEquatorial Guinea fans at the game against Ghana and in Malabo.Photograph: Li Jing/Xinhua Press/CorbisEquatorial Guinea fans at the game against Ghana and in Malabo.Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersRiot police shield Ghana’s John Boye and team mates from objects thrown by Equatorial Guinea fans.Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersRiot police shield Ghana’s John Boye and team mates from objects thrown by Equatorial Guinea fans.Photograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesEquatorial Guinea’s president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the 2015 African Cup of Nations.Photograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesEquatorial Guinea’s president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the 2015 African Cup of Nations.Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel2015-02-08T11:45:51ZFootball in Africa: readers' photos - in pictureshttp://www.theguardian.com/football/guardianwitness-blog/gallery/2015/feb/08/football-in-africa-readers-photos-in-pictures
<p>Ahead of the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament we asked our readers to share their photos and experiences of football in Africa. We have received some great images of the sport being enjoyed across the continent. Here are some of our favourites</p><p>You can see all the contributions – or add your own - on <a href="https://witness.theguardian.com/assignment/54aac5cbe4b012e0f8ed7893">GuardianWitness</a><br></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/guardianwitness-blog/gallery/2015/feb/08/football-in-africa-readers-photos-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Africa Cup of NationsFootballSportSun, 08 Feb 2015 09:00:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/guardianwitness-blog/gallery/2015/feb/08/football-in-africa-readers-photos-in-picturesPhotograph: Moving Mountains Trust/GuardianWitnessPhotograph: Moving Mountains Trust/GuardianWitnessGuardian readers and Tom Stevens2015-02-08T09:00:19ZDR Congo 0-0 Equatorial Guinea (DRC win 4-2 on pens) | Africa Cup of Nations match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/dr-congo-equatorial-guinea-africa-cup-of-nations-match-report
• DR Congo 0-0 Equatorial Guinea<br />• DR Congo win 4-2 on penalties<p>Equatorial Guinea’s Africa Cup of Nations swung from fairytale to farce in a matter of hours this week and it seemed sadly apposite that one of their heroes from this tournament, Javier Balboa, was complicit in this third place play-off defeat. Balboa’s penalty, the first to be taken in the shootout, was skied high and wide of the target, Ra&uacute;l Fabiani’s subsequent miss effectively confirming that DR Congo – who have impressed with their counterattacking football for most of this tournament – leave for Kinshasa with their best finish since 1998.</p><p>Among the hosts’ punishments for the violence that marred Thursday night’s semi-final defeat to Ghana was the suspended prospect of playing a home game behind closed doors. When this match kicked off in front of barely 300 supporters, the total eventually struggling into four figures, it was tempting to consider that they have already served their time on this front. A police helicopter, used to such brutal effect during those disturbances, hovered overhead and a security operation that promised “stricter measures” had been notably ramped up. These had clearly been deterrent enough: this crowd was never going to threaten a repeat offence and the heavily-armed officers were able to spend most of a humid early evening watching from the stands.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/dr-congo-equatorial-guinea-africa-cup-of-nations-match-report">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Equatorial GuineaAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportSat, 07 Feb 2015 19:02:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/07/dr-congo-equatorial-guinea-africa-cup-of-nations-match-reportPhotograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesDR Congo's goalkeeper, Robert Kidiaba, saves a penalty from Rául Fabiani of Equatorial Guinea in the shootout. Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesDR Congo's goalkeeper, Robert Kidiaba, saves a penalty from Rául Fabiani of Equatorial Guinea in the shootout. Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesNick Ames in Malabo2015-02-07T19:02:23ZAvram Grant putting his shirt on Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations chances | Jonathan Wilsonhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/07/avram-grant-ghana-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations
• Former Chelsea coach will continue to wear ‘lucky’ top against Ivory Coast<br />• Hervé Renard one win from an historic double in competition<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghana" title="">Equatorial Guinea fined £65,000 over Africa Cup violence</a><p>As the helicopter descended, Avram Grant glanced up, his face as cadaverous as ever, but seemed emotionless. Whatever he actually felt amid the violence that led to Ghana’s Cup of Nations semi-final against Equatorial Guinea being <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence" title="">suspended for almost 40 minutes</a>, his outward appearance was calm. When the smoke grenades cleared, fans were evacuated from two stands of the Estadio de Malabo and the bottles and other missiles were cleared from the pitch, the overriding sense was of the sang-froid with which Ghana had reacted.</p><p>This is a team that has, with some justification, been accused of complacency in the past two <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/africa-cup-of-nations-2015" title="">Cups of Nations</a>. Here, the lack of outward emotion was a positive. “We had a very good training camp in Spain,” said Grant. “We did a lot about mentality – it’s important in sports and in life to recover. This is one of the things I wanted to see with the team: the mentality. I think this is one of the keys for everything. It’s important also in life to look for solutions when things are going wrong. [The semi-final] showed a lot of strength in very difficult situation; the players showed to people in the country that they can count on them.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/07/avram-grant-ghana-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015GhanaIvory CoastAvram GrantAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportSat, 07 Feb 2015 16:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/07/avram-grant-ghana-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nationsPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APGhana's head coach Avram Grant cracks a rare smile as he faces the media ahead of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APGhana's head coach Avram Grant cracks a rare smile as he faces the media ahead of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast. Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APJonathan Wilson in Malabo2015-02-07T16:01:00ZMorocco banned and fined $1m over Africa Cup of Nations withdrawalhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/morocco-banned-and-fined-africa-cup-of-nations
• CAF also order Moroccan Football Federation to pay €8m<br>• North African nation banned for next two tournaments<br><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghana" title="">• Equatorial Guinea fined £65,000 over Africa Cup violence</a><p>Morocco have been banned from the next two African Nations Cups and fined $1m (&pound;656,000) for pulling out of hosting this year’s competition, the Confederation of African Football has announced.</p><p>Caf also ordered the Moroccan Football Federation to pay compensation of €8m (&pound;5.9m) for losses sustained by CAF, its stakeholders and partners as a result of its decision not to host the tournament.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/morocco-banned-and-fined-africa-cup-of-nations">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015MoroccoAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportFri, 06 Feb 2015 18:22:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/morocco-banned-and-fined-africa-cup-of-nationsPhotograph: Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Caf president, Issa Hayatou, in Rabat last year when Morocco withdrew from hosting the Africa Cup of Nations. Photograph: Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Caf president, Issa Hayatou, in Rabat last year when Morocco withdrew from hosting the Africa Cup of Nations. Photograph: Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesPress Association2015-02-06T18:22:12ZWhat a way to celebrate the Africa Cup of Nationshttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/africa-cup-of-nations-celebrate
<p>Ghana takes on Ivory Coast on Sunday to decide the 2015 title, but who should win the more important accolade of the best goal celebration? </p><p>It’s been an eventful <a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/africannationscup">Africa Cup of Nations</a> in Equatorial Guinea, with enough off-field drama to compete with the action on the pitch. And after three weeks of competition the line-up for Sunday’s final has been settled, with Ghana to face Ivory Coast. </p><p>Last night the Black Stars beat the hosts 3-0 in a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence">semi-final that descended into violence</a> when the home fans pelted missiles across the stadium – although the incident didn’t dampen Ghana’s celebrations after the game: </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/africa-cup-of-nations-celebrate">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Equatorial GuineaAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportGhanaIvory CoastIvory CoastGhanaAfricaFri, 06 Feb 2015 16:08:28 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/africa-cup-of-nations-celebratePhotograph: Themba Hadebe/APDR Congo’s goalkeeper Robert Muteba Kidiaba gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘squeaky bum time’.Photograph: Themba Hadebe/APDR Congo’s goalkeeper Robert Muteba Kidiaba gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘squeaky bum time’.Adam Dewar and Maeve Shearlaw2015-02-06T16:08:28ZEquatorial Guinea fined £65,000 over Africa Cup violence against Ghanahttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghana
• Hosts ordered to meet cost of treatment to injured fans<br />• Ghana FA feared supporters would be killed in tumult<br /><a href="http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=Fz%2fGr4umNtwzRvc7JyBCNA%3d%3d" title="">•The Confederation of African Football statement </a><br /><a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fans-violence-ghana-africa-cup-nations" title="">• Gary Al-Smith ‘I was choking … my eyes started burning’ </a><br /><a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence" title="">• Ghana players and fans pelted with missiles in win </a><br /><a href="http://" title="">• In pictures: helicopters, riot police and chaos</a><p>The Equatorial Guinea federation has been fined $100,000 (&pound;65,000) and ordered to meet the cost of treatment to supporters injured during the Africa Cup of Nations match between the host nation and Ghana.</p><p>Ghana won 3-0 in Malabo but the match was marred by unruly behaviour from the home fans <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence" title="">who forced the Ghana supporters to take refuge behind one of the goals after showering them with missiles</a>, forcing a near 40-minute hold-up before the visitors went through to the final against Ivory Coast on Sunday.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghana">Continue reading...</a>Equatorial GuineaGhanaAfrica Cup of Nations 2015Africa Cup of NationsFootballSportFri, 06 Feb 2015 14:25:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghanaPhotograph: Barry Aldworth/EPAA police helicopter helps disperse rioting Equatorial Guinea fans. Photograph: Barry Aldworth/EPAPhotograph: Barry Aldworth/EPAA police helicopter helps disperse rioting Equatorial Guinea fans. Photograph: Barry Aldworth/EPAPress Association2015-02-06T14:25:08ZEquatorial Guinea fans’ violence: ‘I was choking, my eyes burning’ | Gary Al-Smithhttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fans-violence-ghana-africa-cup-nations
Gary Al-Smith was in the Estadio de Malabo when visiting supporters were attacked by Equatorial Guinea fans during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence" title="">• Ghana players and fans pelted with missiles</a><p>The louspeaker crackled to life. “This is the minister of sport of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea,” a disembodied voice said. “I want to urge you all to calm down and cooperate with the police. We are sending a poor image about our country …” The crowd responded with boos and whistles. Another warning from the PA – and then the police moved in.</p><p>Smoke bombs flew. A chopper appeared, lowering its rotors to scatter fans as police brandished batons and Tasers. For a brief moment there was a rush as supporters made for the exits, all played out to a global audience.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2015/feb/05/equatorial-guinea-v-ghana-semi-final-marred-by-violence-in-pictures">Equatorial Guinea v Ghana semi-final marred by violence – in pictures</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fans-violence-ghana-africa-cup-nations">Continue reading...</a>Equatorial GuineaAfrica Cup of NationsAfrica Cup of Nations 2015GhanaFootballSportFri, 06 Feb 2015 13:19:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fans-violence-ghana-africa-cup-nationsPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APA riot police officer runs to shield a Ghana player after Equatorial Guinea supporters threw objects on to the field during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APA riot police officer runs to shield a Ghana player after Equatorial Guinea supporters threw objects on to the field during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesGary Al-Smith in Malabo2015-02-06T13:19:22ZGhana call for action against Equatorial Guinea after fan injurieshttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/ghana-call-action-equatorial-guinea-supporters-attack-african-cup-nations
• Confederation of African Football to meet on Friday<br />• ‘We need to see stiff action’ says Ghana FA president<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence" title="">• Ghana players, fans pelted with missiles </a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2015/feb/05/equatorial-guinea-v-ghana-semi-final-marred-by-violence-in-pictures" title="">• In pictures: helicopters, riot police and chaos</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/03/mauritian-referee-banned-for-awarding-controversial-equatorial-guinea-penalty" title="">• Referee banned for controversial penalty </a><p>Ghana have called for stiff action against the African Cup of Nations hosts, Equatorial Guinea, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence" title="">after Ghanaian supporters were injured in attacks by home fans</a> during Thursday’s semi-final between the two countries.</p><p>“It’s a pity that this dark cloud overshadows our success and we really need to see some stiff action taken by the Confederation of African Football,” said Kwesi Nyantakyi, the president of the Ghana Football Association and who is also a senior Caf executive.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence">Ghana 3-0 Equatorial Guinea | Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match report</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/ghana-call-action-equatorial-guinea-supporters-attack-african-cup-nations">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Equatorial GuineaGhanaFootball violenceAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportFri, 06 Feb 2015 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/ghana-call-action-equatorial-guinea-supporters-attack-african-cup-nationsPhotograph: Sunday Alamba/APStewards take a supporter off the pitch.Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APStewards take a supporter off the pitch.Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APBottles are scattered over the pitch.Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APBottles are scattered over the pitch.Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APA Ghana supporter is led off the pitch after being injured in the match against the hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.Photograph: Sunday Alamba/APA Ghana supporter is led off the pitch after being injured in the match against the hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesNick Ames at Nuevo Estadío de Malabo2015-02-06T12:19:00ZGhana 3-0 Equatorial Guinea | Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match reporthttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence
• Ghana 3-0 Equatorial Guinea<br />• J Ayew 42pen, Wakaso 45, A Ayew 75<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2015/feb/05/equatorial-guinea-v-ghana-semi-final-marred-by-violence-in-pictures" title="">In pictures: helicopters, riot police and chaos</a><p>The Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Equatorial Guinea and Ghana was suspended for almost 40 minutes on Thursday night after crowd disturbances that led to police evacuating part of the stadium with smoke bombs and a helicopter.</p><p>In scenes that will colour what remains of the tournament, home supporters aimed bottles at Ghana players and supporters, and the visiting team were forced to leave and re-enter the pitch under cover of riot police shields either side of half-time. The crowd was largely dispersed, with reports that trouble continued outside the stadium after the match. Eventually the game was restarted in front of near-empty stands before the Gabonese referee, Eric Otogo, blew for full-time five minutes early.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015GhanaEquatorial GuineaAfrica Cup of NationsFootballSportFootball violenceThu, 05 Feb 2015 21:45:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violencePhotograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersRiot police shield Ghana's John Boye and his team mates from objects thrown by Equatorial Guinea fans at the end of the first half of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersPhotograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersRiot police shield Ghana's John Boye and his team mates from objects thrown by Equatorial Guinea fans at the end of the first half of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ReutersNick Ames at Nuevo Estadío de Malabo2015-02-05T21:45:20Z